Brug over een slotgracht 1744 - 1780

Simon Klapmuts created this print of a bridge over a moat using etching, a process which involves using acid to create lines in a metal plate, sometime in the 18th century. Looking at the image, you can see figures crossing a bridge that leads to a large estate with a visible clock tower. The bridge itself could be a metaphor for the passage of time, inviting reflection on our journey through life. Bridges facilitate connections; they are places where encounters can occur. In this image, we see two figures on the bridge, perhaps suggesting the beginning of a dialogue or exchange. Prints like these were often accessible to a wide audience and would provide views into the lives of the wealthy. What do you make of this glimpse into the past? How might the details in this print encourage you to consider your own place in the present moment?